Not to hijack the thread with a story about me but I have had 2 discectomies. The first one at L5-S1 for ruptured disc. I went back to work about 16 weeks after surgery. The second one, 4 years after the first one, was for rupture at L5-S1 again and bulge at L4-L5. Went back to work about 14 weeks after that one. That was about 4 and a half years ago. My right butt cheek, hamstring area and the outside of my right foot including my two small toes on my right foot are still numb and the sciatic still bothers me some when I sit too long or over exert my back.
You can make it, just protect yourself! Use that handrail religiously. Use that 2 wheeler whenever necessary, sometimes when it's not necessary. Clear that walk path, don't misstep on holes or curbs - that can really wrench your back! Get used to a slower pace. Do everything a little bit more deliberately-think about what you are doing and about to do! Use those legs to lift, don't bend. If they get on you, tell them it's all in the name of working safely! Don't use your back as an excuse, they will say "you can't perform the job".
You'll be okay. Just remember, it's your back!
Good Luck!